<div class="ExternalClassFBBBFFE6DAA94393B1AD860D96242E58"><p>Since early 2016, Metro Vancouver’s transfer stations have only been accepting
<em>unused</em> gypsum (cut-off pieces left over from installation), which is recycled.
<em>Used</em> gypsum, which can contain asbestos in mud and finishings if manufactured and installed before 1990, is not accepted at Metro Vancouver transfer stations, and is accepted at a limited number of private facilities. </p><p>With limited options for managing gypsum, local municipalities have noticed an increase in illegally dumped used gypsum. More gypsum is also being observed mixed in with garbage at transfer stations. Improperly disposing of gypsum puts workers, the public, and the environment at risk of exposure to asbestos, and gypsum mixed in with waste contributes to increased hydrogen sulfide emissions if disposed of in landfills. </p><p>To provide a safe disposal option for residents, in late September Langley and Maple Ridge transfer stations began receiving small quantities of used gypsum for disposal from residential customers as a pilot program. Residents can drop off up to 10 bags of used gypsum per trip, up to five times per year. The used gypsum must be double bagged and sealed using special bags available at retailers close to the transfer stations. The sealed bags are disposed of by residents in a separate bin for the same fee as new gypsum. Information provided to residents notes that appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn when working with used gypsum. The used gypsum is sent for disposal. The Vancouver Landfill is also accepting small quantities of used gypsum for disposal (<em>via a similar </em>
<a href="http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/how-to-dispose-of-drywall.aspx" target="_blank">
<em>process</em></a>). New gypsum continues to be accepted for recycling at regional disposal facilities. </p><p>Metro Vancouver will use data from the pilot program to determine whether to expand the program to other Metro Vancouver transfer stations in early 2017.</p></div>

<div class="ExternalClass6AF9E200BCA1489698717B105C2A4E4E"><p>​Some materials, like gypsum, are more complicated to recycle or dispose of safely than others. This pilot program offers one solution on what to do with used gypsum.</p></div>